Once upon a modern time, there was an Atheist. This Atheist was once a Christian and desired to hear his voice once more. So one day the atheist knelt and did something he hadn't done in many years. He prayed, not a prayer of new life but this: "O God, if you are there show me you are God. Let me hear you."

Several weeks passed after this time and the man went on his annual hike in the mountains alone. When he reached a spot in the mountain roughly halfway up he stopped for a moment to catch his breath watching the beautiful horizon. It was at this time that a great wind began. It howled through the woods below like a wolf in the night. Rocks were riven in two and several rock slides occurred on the mountain. He had to brace himself in a hallow until it died down.

When the wind had subsided. The atheist came out from his hallow and said "Wow, that was truly a great wind." and continued on his hike.

As he continued his hike he came to an impassable portion of the path because the wind had knocked a rock from above below into the path. As he looked out into the horizon he saw a mighty storm approaching, probably pushed in by the wind. He knew that this storm was not something to be trifled with so he went into a cave he had just passed decided to spend the night there. He started a fire and set up supplies inside of the humble cave.

As he was getting into his sleeping bag he heard a faint trickle, followed by a thunderous roar of heaven pouring it's contents to earth. He then knew, this would not be a restful night.

Somehow he managed to get to sleep. And sleep he did. Through the better part of the night. He was awakened by a light. At first he assumed it was the light of dawn, but it was not so.

The storm had produced great cracks of lightning, of which he was surprised he had slept through. They had alighted the forest below. Before him laid a great valley a fire, none like he had ever seen. It was as if the belly of hell laid before him, and it persisted even with the mighty torrent coming from above.

This greatly troubled the man, but as it was, he was safe in his cave and that was all that mattered. So he headed back to his sleeping bag to try and catch a few winks before morning.

When he awoke the torrent was still falling, but the fire had burnt itself out. A great column of smoke rose from the wasteland that was once a forest he had loved dearly. He rekindled the fire in his cave and made himself a meager breakfast from what he had.

Around noon the torrent died down and the wasteland had cooled to a point safe for walking (not without the occasional hidden ember, of course). So the man left his cave and headed down the mount. Once he reached the bottom of the mountain he heard a still small voice calling his name. It was at this time he remembered his plea to God. He had dismissed it short afterward because he felt it was a silly thing he had done in a moment of weakness.

But nevertheless he stopped there and pondered a moment, but decided hastily it could not be him. It sounded nothing like God, it was probably a reporter or fireman checking out the aftermath and calling to his friends.

He then started across the field of ash which lay before him. It was not easy to traverse, but it became easier as he went. Once more he heard the voice, but again he dismissed it.

As he was exiting the field he heard the voice one last time. At this he shouted "God?" But immediately he blushed and felt stupid because he could see reporters across the way looking towards him inquisitively, some even laughing.

At this he stormed to the nearby bus stop and sat down. At this he heard the voice again, but this time it said not only his name, but it asked him this, "Why do you run from me?"

The man humbly replied, "Who said I was running?"

"I did."

"Oh..."

"I am not pleased with you Elijah. You asked for me to speak to you; and then you turn from every sign and voice. I was not in the wind, storm, or fire. But you should have seen me through them. And then the voice, I spoke it not once, not twice, but three times to you. On the third you acknowledged me, but quickly turned away because of your pride. You are a part of an adulterous generation who does not acknowledge me even. You ask for signs, but even when I present them you turn away from them and deny me. It has been said 'Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.' Let it be known. I have let you see me and yet you still have turned away and not believed. What you say?"

The man sat there speechless before God. A word, not even a syllable could he produce off his lips. He sat there as a mute, crying before God in his holy shame. At that very moment, he keeled over dead. For he could not bear to be in the presence of God any longer.

Some say the man accepted Christ at that fateful moment. Others say he had not the chance, but who are we to decide his fate. He is standing before God right now. Let Him decide the fate of this man.

Therefore I declare unto you, let it be known to all the tale of the Atheist on the Mount. For God gave a sign when asked and was ignored. God spoke when asked and was not heard. So be watchful, be listening.